Not the sharpest shot, but chasing this colorful flutterer was quite the challenge...and it was miniscule compared to our traditional dragonflies! The iridescent turquoise and neon lime green certainly attracts and those bearing 'eyes' appear to be multi-directional. 2nd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Saturday, August 24, 2013
08.24.13
A bit surprised as this gator made its way from one side of a small lake to another (including under the boardwalk on which I stood)....I only occasionally see much smaller gators on the more 'natural' side of the park. But there it was - at least 6 feet long. The ranger indicated there was a 7-8 footer that had been spotted in the larger adjacent lake, but they are quite mobile and are just as likely to be seen on land....which does give me pause while moving along the walking paths. Freedom Park, Naples, FL
08.23.13
Overgrown and needing some attention - reflects a typical 'end-of-a-crazy-week'! There is no shortage of green either with the alternating rain storms and warm sunshine. A few days to recuperate and we start it again on Monday. Naples, FL
08.22.13
Delightful blooms of wild orchids welcome us on the evening walk - love the various hues. Naples, FL
08.21.13
A few thunderheads in the distance, but it would still be nice to be on the water instead of dry-docked... Naples, FL
08.20.13
Strong, yet delicate, the sea oats are a vital part of our beach ecosystem. Though most tend to look towards the blue water, there's beauty behind, as well. Take a look around! :) 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Sunday, August 18, 2013
08.18.13
In triplicate today with three stripes (sky, water, sand), three areas of attention (beach towel/accessories, channel marker, and congregation of birds in the distant Gulf), and three 'distractions' (blurry sea oats, shadows, and the tip of a seagull's wing). Lucky number for the day? 5th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Saturday, August 17, 2013
08.17.13
Such pretty landscape with the yellow bamboo mixed with summer greens & beach-side view is just as nice. Gulfshore Blvd & 4th Ave N, Naples, FL
Friday, August 16, 2013
08.16.13
A colorful array between the balloons and the clothing at this morning's adult student orientation - and a little one in attendance, too. Our postsecondary technical school, Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology, is celebrating its fabulous 40th birthday! LW Campus, Naples, FL
08.15.13
Not sure of the specifics, but it is definitely not our typical black garden snake! Definitely a juvenile, it was still aggressive and way too close to our human dwelling...thus, its demise. Colorful underbelly! Naples, FL
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
08.14.13
An impending storm didn't scare off this osprey - though it was keeping a watchful eye on the sky. Though fairly isolated and often fleeting, the thunder/lightning cells can be pretty powerful and it is definitely advisable to use caution in such conditions. 32nd Dr S & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
08.13.13
Nine years ago, Hurricane Charley came through our area as an unwelcome guest and left us with unbelievable destruction. Later in the summer, three more hurricanes (Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne) criss-crossed the state with their own levels of intensity. The psychological impact of those frequent storm warnings took its toll, even if there was little physical damage. Today, the sky shows off it's changeability - but no hurricane on the horizon! :) Naples, FL
08.12.13
Prepping for our big BYOD inservice day and thinking about all of the potential for teaching and learning. The BYOD team will be identified by their T-shirts, compliments of our Principal. :) There will be challenges ahead (not the least of which will be those who think the device - rather than the transformation - is key), but hoping we can build on the enthusiasm. LW Campus, Naples, FL
Sunday, August 11, 2013
08.11.13
Though a minimalist sand 'castle', the construction still starts with a tiny grain of sand, a tool and an idea. It can be replicated, but never in identical form due to its unique nature. Its form will likely change with environmental and human influences. But for now, it is captured and its peaceful starkness reveals much complexity. 3rd Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL
08.10.13
How did the day escape so quickly? The sun is setting earlier as the summer season begins to wane. At least the sky offers some pretty color and texture...and hope I can make tomorrow last longer! :) Naples, FL
Friday, August 9, 2013
08.09.13
Small berries and teeny flowers in shades of pink and magenta provide a pop of tropical color - not familiar with this one, but like the textures and the transformations. Naples, FL
08.08.13
Looking towards the Rockies (not the clearest sky!!) with fields of sunflowers to provide a firm (and yellow!) foundation....and a pretty sight! Denver, CO
08.07.13
Pronghorn near the edge of the city street were a fun photographic challenge as I was on the other side of the car and didn't want to spook them. They are usually within view on the highway, but didn't expect to see them so close to the populated areas. Wyoming hosts the largest population of pronghorn antelope with the availability of the ubiquitous sage brush, their food staple. Casper, WY
08.06.13
Can't be out West without a few horses and a split rail fence...but it's obvious that I don't bring sugar cubes with the majority providing a 'butt' view. Dubois, WY
08.05.13
Still a few wildflowers on the Continental Divide, but at an altitude greater than 9,000 feet, one wonders how much longer before the snow flurries fly and the color subsides. Togowotee Pass, WY
08.04.13
Driving towards Dubois from Crowheart on US 26, these arresting and massive red rock formations jut out from rather bland flat plains filled with sage brush. Here, it lines the Wind River and provides a stunning view. near Dubois, WY
08.03.13
Study of the water gun refill process takes great intensity, furrowed brow and pursed lips - at least for this 4 year old! Luckily I was out of target range when the goal was accomplished! :) Casper, WY
08.02.13
Companion planting (marigolds and tomatoes) not only brings great color to the garden pallet, but also provides a natural biological pest control. Tomatoes are almost ready! :) Casper, WY
Thursday, August 1, 2013
08.01.13
Welcome August! :) Celebrating a special guy in heaven today who would have been 90 years old - here's to ya, JEC! Naples, FL